Bar Restaurant Gitanos — Restaurant in Cóbano

We went to Gitanos our first night in Tambor expecting beach bar fried food. To our absolute delight we were served a carefully prepared, beautifully presented dinner that blew away the “gourmet dining” meal we’d eaten in a fancy hotel the night before. George, the owner/manager, gave us great recommendations. He went so far as to bring out freshly harvested oysters the size of frisbees, which he turned into beautiful appetizers (see photo). The ceviche was marvelous and could be a meal in itself. My incredibly tender ribeye steak, perfectly cooked and seasoned, was served with grilled vegetables — including Mexican street corn — lightly dressed with a cilantro pesto that was amazing. Bar Restaurant Gitanos is right on the beach. On our Friday evening visit we dined with several groups of Ticos — go where the locals go! Finally, and I’m embarrassed to say it, a meal this good and carefully cooked would cost three times as much in the US. ...

I've been coming to Gitanos for a few years, and it has always impressed me. The level of service (cleaning cloths on arms, silverware set from a tray, etc) is unexpected for this sleepy little beach town bar & restaurant. I finally ordered something from the grill (lomito) the other night, and I was blown away! It was the best steak I have had in the memorable past. I've never been a fan of steak anywhere I've ordered it in Costa Rica, but this was the best I've had, better than any I just had in London/Paris/Rome. That said, I've never had anything from the menu I...

Food was outstanding and service was equally great. We had a steak that practically melted in your mouth, some caipirinhas that were made with the famous mandarin limes which were incredible and finished things off with a fudge brownie with ice cream. They had music playing and we would have come here many more times as the prices were very reasonable for what we got! Last but not least, the view from the beach here was the...